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Published:  June 15, 2020

By:  Willie Barney, Co-Publisher Revive Omaha

Beyond the Flames:  Why I Believe 2020 is a Turning Point

Where Do We Go From Here?  Transformation 2025

Part II:  Moving to Solutions

Omaha might not be in flames now, but we have a playbook.  George Fraser has called Omaha the Montgomery of the economic rights movement.  Pastor Freddie Haynes calls it the Selma of the next great movement.  They and others believe there are answers in Omaha.

On a personal level, after years of reading, researching and studying solutions, we embarked nearly fifteen years ago on a journey to move the dial and change the trajectory of our community.  Hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents, both youth and adults, have participated.  Both black and white.  Both civilian and police.   North, South, East and West.

I’m hopeful because through collaboration, we have made measurable progress in 8 of 10 key areas.

Through the collective efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents:

  • Gun violence was decreased by 74%
  • African-American high school graduation rates increased from 64% to 81%.
  • The percentage of African-Americans with a bachelor’s degree increased from 16% to 22%.
  • African-American unemployment was reduced from nearly 21% to 7.5%.
  • Employment for youth increased from 30 summer jobs to over 1,000.
  • The African-American poverty rate was reduced from 33% to 24%.
  • A new grocery store was built, some neighborhood stores were converted and fresh fruit and vegetables were brought to the community.
  • The Affordable HealthCare Act reduced the percentage of uninsured and did not penalize for pre-existing conditions.
  • Major revitalization efforts were launched, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in public/private investments.
  • A new wave of innovative black entrepreneurs is emerging.

One of the most significant areas of progress is the work we’ve done collectively to build stronger partnerships between police and community and begin addressing justice issues.  Body cameras, diversity training, open communication, police diversity and reductions of use of force have resulted from collaboration.  In Omaha, a city of 460,000, there has been one officer involved shooting in the past eighteen months.  Cities across the nation are looking to replicate the Omaha 360, a nationally recognized model.

To be sure, we never thought the work was done.  We know significant gaps still exist. Yet, we also know that it is possible to move the dial.

In 2014, partly fueled by the flames of Ferguson, we made a proposal to accelerate the progress of African-Americans and North Omaha and identified the level of investment it would require. The plan became known as Transformation 2025 Initiative.  It was based on the input of over 8,000 people, implementation of successful projects and aligned with the findings of the Kerner Report and Freedom Agenda.

We secured some initial investments.  We aligned efforts.  We built effective collaborations.  We pushed for large scale investments with specific goals, strategies, initiatives, programs and policies identified.

The areas where we secured funds we have been able to produce tangible, measurable results.  But when it came to the larger proposals, we were told there are no additional funds.

“Where would we ever find that level of funding?”

Omaha can find the funds when it becomes a priority.   Hundreds of millions of dollars for downtown redevelopment.  $140 million for the TD Ameritrade baseball stadium. Hundreds of millions for a new Buffett Cancer Center.  $200 million just approved by citizens to improve streets and the list goes on.  To be clear, these are all great investments for the City of Omaha.  I stand in full support.  They are all needed and benefit the city and region.  However, these investments prove the point: Omaha and other cities can move the dial and we can find the resources to do what we prioritize.

As described by Obama Foundation officials who visited our community, “Omaha is a get it done city.”

We are now faced with the same decision that the nation and city confronted in 1968.

Invest in people or invest in prisons?   Invest in residents or invest in buildings.  Invest in prevention or invest in penalties.  Invest in proactive solutions or civil unrest.

In 2020, what decision will we make?  This is our turning point.

We know how to put out the fire.  I believe that collectively, with the fires raging and in the midst of a pandemic, we will make the right decision.  In the words of Dr. King, “We will finally make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”

As African-Americans, we must unite and do our part.  Support black businesses and businesses in North Omaha.  Vote.  Create generational wealth. Continue reinforcing the importance of education.  Take care of our health.  Work together to address justice and reform.  Engage with the community to address race relations and inequities.  Use all of our gifts and assets.  Partner with allies.

Omaha.  America.  You must do your part.  Listen.  Allow African-Americans and residents from neighborhoods most impacted to lead. Partner and support.  Be an ally.  Implement new policies to reform the justice system.  It is time to invest at the scale of the problem.

Invest in entrepreneurship and access to credit and capital.  Invest in employment, diversity and higher wages.  Invest in safe, affordable housing and mixed income neighborhoods.  Invest in education and high performing school models.  Invest in prevention, intervention, community policing and reentry programs.  Invest to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

We can all win.  Let’s design a society and democracy that works for all of its citizens.  The rest of the world is watching.  Will this grand experiment finally and fully become what it can be?  A place where all citizens are spiritually, economically and socially thriving, healthy and prosperous.

In Omaha, the early indications from all sectors is that it will be different this time.  We have the will and the appetite to make this the turning point.  We can put the flames out for good this time.

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Two additional thoughts.  There are other plans that have been developed and numerous individuals and groups who are working diligently on their initiatives, projects, programs and policies.  Our goal is to create a combined plan that we can all work on together and do our part in a collaborative way.

In addition, many individuals, organizations, foundations, businesses and ministries have invested tremendous amounts of time, talent and treasure into various initiatives generating measurable outcomes.  We should pause and recognize these committed partners.  Now, together, we will focus more intensely on wealth, health and ownership.

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Events

Magic Johnson inspires and invests in Omaha at Rebuilding the Village Conference

Over 1,100, including 400 youth participate in 3 day national Empowerment Network conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

By Willie Barney

It’s hard to believe it has already been a week.  Thank you, Omaha and national friends.  The Empowerment Network team and our partners went all in for the 16th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference.  Omaha responded. 23 cities from across the country responded.

When I was in prayer after last year’s event, the words “Run It Back” came into my spirit!   Bring Magic back and build on the experience.

GOD has blessed in amazing ways.  We stepped out in faith and followed what we believed He was telling us to do.

Some wondered.  Would people come back?  Would the community support it?  Could it be bigger and better?

Over 1,100 participated, including 400+ youth and the experience was even more magical!

Magic took things even higher than last year providing even more wisdom, full ride scholarships, internships in Los Angeles and business opportunities with his companies.  Plus, he unexpectedly raised $90,000 to support the Network!

The six national keynote speakers were phenomenal, and the sessions were well attended.  Made for a difficult decision about which breakout to attend.  The feedback has been off the charts.

Representatives from over 20 cities attended including partners from Kansas City, Tulsa, New Orleans, Columbus GA, Denver, Little Rock, Atlanta, Chicago, Davenport/QC, Sacramento, Washington DC and other communities.

20 major sponsors invested.  Dozens of volunteers supported it.

50+ local and national speakers shared their wisdom and insights to help build safe and thriving communities.

We had over 400 youth engaged in the event.  They joined us for panels, main stage sessions and the Step-Up Omaha Interns and Youth 360 also had their own summit within the conference in partnership with J Shannon, David and Next.

The federal government including USDA, Dept of Justice and Health and Human Services all had key leaders in attendance.

The 4 tours (Black owned trolley and bus companies), three covering North Omaha and one citywide were well received.

30+ Black businesses benefitted directly.  We supported Black restaurants and organizations.

The Village at 24th and Lake reception was well attended and featured music, food, shopping and visits to the museums and new businesses.

Businesses throughout the whole city experienced economic benefit including hotels, airlines, transportation, shopping, food, and entertainment.

We cannot thank you all enough.

Thank you, Magic.  Thank you to the Empowerment Network team.

Thank you to the board.

Thank you, speakers, panelists, sponsors, and volunteers.

Thank you to our national guests.  Thank you, Omaha, for being amazing hosts.

Thank you to my wife, son and daughter who helped in so many ways and have sacrificed greatly over the years.  Love you and appreciate you!

Let’s Win Together Omaha!   Let’s win together national partners.  Let’s build safe and thriving communities in every zip code.

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NEWS

Celebrate North Omaha! Native Omaha Days returns July 24 to July 31

Celebrating 47 years of memories, culture and community spirit in North Omaha!  

The Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Native Omahans Club, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Empowerment Network, and community partners present…The 24th Biennial Celebration.

The Native Omahan Club has once again joined forces with the Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Empowerment Network and dozens of community partners engaged in the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee to develop and present their 24th Biennial Celebration.  Attracting thousands, the Native Omaha Days Festival will once again help to accelerate the positive momentum in the community.  The events have a major economic impact and now has expanded to venues city-wide.

Event organizers are preparing for the biggest and best celebration to date, featuring traditional events: Gospel Fest at Morning Star Baptist Church; Stroll Down Memory Lane in the Village at 24thand Lake; Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade along North 30thStreet; Native Omaha Day Event, Omaha Day Classic Golf Tournament; Sunday Worship Services; Blue Monday and more!

In addition to the long-standing traditional events, this year’s full week of activities will again include:  trolley tours, golf outings, jazz and gospel music, class and family reunions, Culture Fest with children’s activities and something for all ages and more!  The parade, always a crowd favorite, is planned for Saturday morning between 10 am and noon from 30th and Lake to 30th and Sprague.

Attractions added in 2021 are back including the Village Festival Square at the Bryant Resource Center at 24th & Burdette with food trucks and small business vendors for locals and visitors to shop and explore unique crafts. 

New this year…Excellent exhibits and an African American Book Signing will be featured at the Great Plains History Museum.  The Culxr House will present Divisible Documentary – film that explores the impacts of redlining in Omaha; specifically in Near North Side.  All activities and updates will be posted at nativeomahadays.org

The Food Vendor Informational Meeting hosted by the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee will be held again this year.  The event will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 10 am to 11 am at American National Bank, 3147 Ames Avenue.  It will serve the purpose of having food vendors learn the requirements and guidelines to obtain a food permit.  Representatives from the Douglas County Health Department will be on hand to share information.  Go to nativeomahadays.org for update information on date and location.

“We are excited to see the community partnering again to make this a tremendous community event,” said Michael Maroney, President and CEO of Omaha Economic Development Corporation.  “We are working with the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Omaha Police Department and dozens of other organizations to make this a safe, fun and enjoyable experience for the entire community.  We’re also looking forward to showcasing more of the projects that have come to fruition since the last Native Omaha Days celebration.”

The organizers are calling on the whole community to play a role in making the Native Omaha Days celebration a major success. 

For more information and a complete schedule of activities, please go to www.nativeomahadays.org.

Click here to register for the Parade

Click here to Advertise in the Native Omaha Days Guide

Click here to Become a Vendor

Click here to Become a Volunteer

Initial List of Events (Full list will be available at nativeomahadays.org

Monday, July 24

GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Great Plains Black History Museum invites you to attend their African American Author’s Book Signing, Help support our local authors and Museum by stopping by.

Where:  2221 North 24 Street
Time:  12:00-3:00 p.m.
Contact:  Eric Ewing @ (402) 932-7077
Gpblackhistorymuseum.org

 

 

Tuesday, July 25

GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Great Plains Black History Museum invites you to attend their African American Author’s Book Signing, Help support our local authors and Museum by stopping by.

Where:  2221 North 24 Street
Time:  12:00-3:00 p.m.
Contact:  Eric Ewing @ (402) 932-7077
Gpblackhistorymuseum.org

 

 

Wednesday, July 26

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food & Retail Merchants)

GospelFest at Morning Star

6:00 pm

 

 

Thursday, July 27

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food &  Retail Merchants)

 

DIVISIBLE DOCUMENTARY

Presents a screening of Divisible, an educational documentary film that explores the impacts of redlining in Omaha, specifically the Near North Side.

Where:  Culxr house
3014 North 24 Street
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Contact: Lizzy Barrett
(607) 220-8927
Website:  DivisibleDoc.com

 

NATIVE OMAHA CLUB
Social Mixer

 

TECH HIGH DANCE

Classes of 1975, 1976 and on.  School dance featuring Ed Archibald
Where:  Highlander
2120 North 30 Street
Time:  6:30 p.m.
Cost:  $15
Contact:  Darlene Brown @ (402) 880-3929

 

Friday, July 28, 2023

Omaha Days Golf Classic

 

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food & Retail Merchants)

 

Stroll Down Memory Lane
24th and Lake
Presented by:  OEDC and Empowerment Network
6:00 to 9:00 PM

 

 

Saturday, July 29, 2022

Native Omaha Days Parade
10:00 AM
North 30th from Lake to Sprague

 

Native Omaha Days
Day Party
Native Omahan Club
North 30th from Lake to Sprague

 

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food & Retail Merchants)

_____________________________________________

Native Omaha Days Festival

Presented by:  The Native Omaha Days Festival is presented by the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Native Omahan Club, Omaha Economic Development Corporation and Empowerment Network.  

The Native Omaha Days Organization Committee and community partners include: Omaha Star Newspaper, EverGreen Capital Management, 24th and Lake Businesses, American National Bank, Omaha Police Department, Bryant Resource Center, Vickie Young, YouTurn, Freedomtainment, North End Teleservices, Revive! Omaha Magazine, Great Plains Black History Museum, Leo Louis II, NONA, Ital Vital, nocredevelopmentgroup, Long School Neighborhood Association, North Omaha Business Improvement District, MAYS and the North Omaha Village Revitalization Plan.

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NEWS

Paul Bryant returns to Omaha to keynote at Conference featuring Magic Johnson

Paul Bryant will be one of the national keynote presenters during the Empowerment Network’s 16th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, June 9th.  The conference features Earvin Magic Johnson as the luncheon keynote, six national speakers including Bryant and representatives from 20+ regional and national cities.

Bryant is the Vice President of External Affairs for the H.J. Russell & Company, the largest African American owned business in the state of Georgia and the 14th largest Black business in America. He plays a significant, public-facing role extending the Russell brand into communities they work, build, and invest.

Bryant will return to Omaha to share national best practices in a keynote entitled:  The Herman J. Russell Story…Building Community through the Intersection of Public Policy, Partnership and Scaling of Black Businesses in Atlanta.  He will then lead a breakout session to walk through the key principles required to scale Black businesses in today’s environment.

Paul Bryant is an Omaha native.  He is a recognized innovator and leader who has invested greatly in creating the next generation of talented young men and women.  In Omaha, he held key leadership positions in both the corporate sector and non-profit arena.

In the corporate sector, Bryant launched major initiatives in the banking and research industries.  He encouraged Gallup to field important polls regarding Black and urban communities.

He started the groundbreaking Wesley House Leadership Academy where he focused his attention on the development of young Black men well before other national programs started to launch their efforts. Bryant was also one of the founders of the Striving for Succes:  Black Male Summit in partnership with the Empowerment Network, Urban League and 100 Black Men of Omaha.

Bryant has lectured at Morehouse College, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  He is a Pulitzer Prize nominated author of 3 books and his leadership influence extends to more than ½ million students through an international network of over 1,500 schools.  He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where he and his wife have both excelled in new positions.

No stranger to leadership, Paul previously served as the CEO of three nonprofit agencies:  The United Minority Contractors Association; Urban League of Nebraska; and, United Methodist Community Centers, Inc.

His corporate career also includes a Senior Vice President post with The Gallup Organization; and Officer Positions with Wells Fargo and the First National Bank of Omaha.

Paul earned two master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and attended Creighton University school of law.

Paul is the recipient of numerous awards:

  • The 2017 Mentor of the Year – 100 Black Men of Atlanta
  • The City of Omaha’s Martin Luther King “Living the Dream” award.
  • The University of Nebraska’s Alumnus Achievement award.
  • The Teacher of the year for the Creighton University “Upward Bound program”
  • Named “Facilitator of the Year” by INROADS Inc.
  • Named “Achiever to watch in the Millennium Success Guide”
  • Named a Black Achiever by the YMCA
  • One of the Ten “Outstanding Young Omahans by the Junior Chamber of Commerce

Paul is also a member of the prestigious Benson High School Hall of Fame, along with another noted Omahan, investor Warren Buffet.

Paul and wife Robin have been married for over 30 years and have 3 children.  He is an unapologetic believer in God and says his most cherished accomplishment was having his family recognized as the Community Service Family of the year, by the Heartland Family Service.

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